anticariogenic
|an-ti-car-i-o-gen-ic|
/ˌæn.tiˌkæriəˈdʒɛnɪk/
prevents tooth decay
Etymology
'anticariogenic' originates from a combination of the prefix 'anti-' (Greek) meaning 'against' and 'cariogenic', where 'cariogenic' is formed from Latin 'caries' meaning 'decay' plus the Greek-derived suffix '-genic' meaning 'producing'.
'caries' (Latin, meaning 'decay') contributed to the modern medical coinage 'cariogenic' (20th century formation meaning 'producing decay'), and the prefix 'anti-' was later attached to form 'anticariogenic' meaning 'against producing decay'.
Initially the root 'cari-' related to 'decay' (meaning 'causing decay' in 'cariogenic'); over time the prefixed formation 'anticariogenic' came to mean 'preventing or inhibiting decay' (the opposite function).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
preventing or inhibiting the formation of dental caries (tooth decay); having properties that reduce cariogenicity.
The fluoride-containing toothpaste is considered anticariogenic because it helps prevent tooth decay.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/18 03:57